The UDM is most eager to learn what Mbhazima Shilowa’s strategy will be for leading Gauteng, the economic hub of South Africa. After years of promoting left-wing ideology, is Shilowa suddenly embracing the ANC’s Gear and its capitalist tenets? Interestingly enough, the name Gear does not even appear once in the ANC manifesto. How influential is COSATU on the ANC’s policy development? It is crucial that Shilowa come forward with his intentions immediately to ensure investor confidence in Gauteng.

The UDM is also concerned about the centralisation of decision making that the ANC has adopted in determining its candidates for premierships. Does Thabo Mbeki intend to impose these authoritarian procedures on the South African presidency? The UDM fears that yesterday’s events will prove to be an ominous harbinger for the future of democracy in our country.